Mozambique

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mozambique).

Situated on the coast of south-eastern Africa, over half of Mozambique’s 30 million people is under the age of 18. More than 70% of the population lives in rural areas, with agriculture being the main source of income. The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, but over 40 languages are spoken across the country.Many families are struggling to cover even their most basic needs, such as running water, proper sanitation and regular access to food. Income distribution remains highly unequal in a country where the richest 20% control over half of the national household income.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Mozambique since 1986.

Children are at risk

In recent years, there have been great improvements for children and young people in Mozambique. More children attend school, and more children live beyond their fifth birthday. However, there is still more to be done. Every day, children, young people and families across Mozambique face the reality of widespread poverty. Most children do not complete school, and most have to walk for hours to the nearest health centre. Without support, families struggle to stay together and children are vulnerable to neglect, abuse and abandonment.
1 in 2
Children in Mozambique lives in severe poverty

Widespread poverty

Mozambique is one of Africa’s countries with the highest levels of poverty, and with 48% of children living in extreme poverty. Families are struggling to cover even their most basic needs, such as running water, proper sanitation and regular access to food. Without access to these necessary resources, children are left unprotected and families are at risk of breaking down.

60%
Of children in Mozambique do not finish primary school

Education

Although there have been impressive steps forward in getting children to start school, only 40% finish primary school. From these children, only 8% go on to attend secondary school. Basic education often allows children to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty. As they become independent adults, they will be able to make important contributions to their communities’ development, as well as their own.

1.1M
Children have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS

Loss of parental care

Approximately 1.1 million children in Mozambique have lost their parents due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Children without parental care are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, as many have to work to support themselves and their families. Recent government pledges have made a positive impact, but 1 in 10 children between 5 and 14 are still forced to work.

Together we can make a difference for children in Mozambique

1,110
Families
Can stay together
570
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
600
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
140
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Rabia (16) and her younger brother Senito found a loving home at SOS Children’s Villages Mozambique. Rabia chose to study at a technical school to pursue her dream of becoming an accountant. “I am happy that I have a chance of shaping my life, and I am sure that I will have a good time,” Rabia says (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mozambique).

Working together for sustainable development

In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and train parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting. .
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives